Dear Editor,
The Human Rights and Social Justice Commission of the Anglican Diocese of Guyana closed the month off with a bang, as they celebrated International Women’s Day (observed on March 8, 2018) with a march and awards’ presentation on Saturday, March 31, 2018.
The march began at the St George’s Cathedral and culminated at Austin House (the house of the Bishop). The awards’ presentation followed shortly after.
The Commission believes it is important to speak to the commitment and contributions of women in the Diocese, and by extension Guyana; and to continue to press for the advancement of women in all spheres of life.
Delivering the keynote address was Mrs. Sheran Harper, member of St. Sidwell’s Parish Church and a Worldwide Trustee of the Mothers’ Union. Mrs. Harper, in her address, highlighted the contributions of outstanding women in the Diocese, and urged others to join the movement. She noted her work, particularly with women in the hinterland areas, and called on members to be more supportive to vulnerable groups within their parishes and communities.
The Commission awarded ten outstanding women for their sterling contributions to their parish and communities. These women were nominated because of their extraordinary performance and for going above and beyond their standard job requirements to ensure the comfort and happiness of parishioners and community members. Eight women were nominated and awarded for their contributions; these were Cheril Collins (St Mark’s Parish), Monica Case (St James-the-Less), Beatrice Amsterdam (Church of the Transfiguration), Yvonne Barrow (St Mark’s Parish), Lena Edmondson (St. Mark’s Parish), Thelma Spencer (Christ the King), Mrs. Wendell Roberts, and Beverly Coppin (St Aidan’s).
The Bishop, the Right Reverend Charles Davidson, in his capacity as Bishop, awarded two other women for their offerings to the church. These were Rita Hunter, the first woman to be ordained deacon, and Schemel Patrick, Chairperson of the Human Rights and Social Justice Commission, for her steadfast contributions to the Commission and the advancement of human rights.
Another part of the programme saw the Commission handing over its first donation to the Ministry of Social Protection, as part of a partnership with the two bodies. The Commission has committed to regularly donating much needed equipment and sanitary and food supplies to the Ministry of Social Protection’s safe houses.
In an effort to respond to the needs of women and children affected by gender-based violence, the Human Rights and Social Justice Commission has launched a “We Care” Campaign in all parishes to offset this partnership. The “We Care” campaign will remain as part of the church’s caring around the year.
Accepting the contributions on behalf of the Ministry of Social Protection was Manager of the Gender-Based Violence Unit, Akilah Doris. She expressed the Ministry’s gratitude and welcomed what she described as a marriage between the Diocese of Guyana and the Ministry of Social Protection. She also noted that this is the first time that a church group was contributing to the Ministry’s safe houses. Ms. Doris noted the difficulties faced by many women who find themselves in violent situations, and expressed the Ministry’s hope in building more safe houses across the country.
The local Human Rights and Social Justice Commission is a product of the Provincial Commission on Human Rights and Social Justice. It is the duty of the HRSJ Commission to keep under constant review all matters relating to social justice and human rights in the Diocese of Guyana, and to make recommendations to the Bishop on the development of strategies which will assist the Church in furthering its work on these issues. The Commission believes that the church has a voice and a role to play in educating and empowering its parishioners and communities.
Schemel Patrick
Chairperson, Human
Rights and Social
Justice Commission –
Diocese of Guyana
